Directions on How to Build a Cage for an Outside Rabbit

If you are going to own a rabbit, as a pet or for breeding, you will need a place to keep him. A rabbit cage provides safety for your rabbit, ease of access to the pet and a comfortable home for the pet. If you plan to keep your rabbit outside, a wire cage is generally all you need to keep him contained while also keeping predators at a safe distance. These cages, or hutches, as they are commonly known, can be built with common tools you can find in most garages.

Things You'll Need

Woven or galvanized 1-by-1-inch 14 gauge wire
Woven or galvanized 1-by-1/2-inch 14 or 16 gauge wire
J clips or hog ring clips
Wire cutters
Needle nosed pliers
Hog ring pliers (optional)
Door latch
Measuring tape
Bedding
Water bottle or dish
Feeding tray

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a 30-inch piece of 1-by-1/2-inch wire either 36 inches or 48 inches in length for the floor of the cage.
- 2
  Cut the 1-by-2-inch wire into pieces for the top, sides, front and back with the following dimensions: two pieces (one for the front and back) 18 inches by 36-to-48 inches; two pieces for the sides 18 inches by 30-to-36 inches; and one piece for the top with the same measurements as the bottom.
- 3
  Cut a piece of 1-by-2-inch wire 13-to-15 inches wide and 14-to-18 inches high for the door.
- 4
  Attach the sides to the bottom and the top to the sides using the J-clips or hog rings. If using hog rings you will need hog ring pliers.
- 5
  Determine where you want the door on the front of the cage. Cut a hole in the cage 1 inch smaller in each direction as the door you cut from the wire.
- 6
  Attach the top of the door to the front opening with J clips or hog rings.
- 7
  Attach the latch to the bottom of the door and the corresponding part of the cage opening.
- 8
  Place something soft on the bottom of the cage for bedding for the rabbit. Wood chips, straw, peat moss or newspaper are common choices.
- 9
  Place a metal feeding tray and a water bottle in the cage.